Roscommon man Robert Pether detained in Iraq for four years released
The Australian citizen was detained in April 2021 and was found guilty of deception in a 'kangaroo court', according to his wife, Desree.
Mr Pether has now been released from prison and is on bail and remains in Iraq, but Tánaiste Simon Harris said this is the 'first step' in coming back to Ireland.
'This evening, I have been informed of the release on bail of Robert Pether, whose imprisonment in Iraq has been a case of great concern,' he said.
'This is very welcome news in what has been a long and distressing saga for Robert's wife, three children and his wider family and friends.'
The Irish-based engineer was taking part in helping to design the central bank in Baghdad and was set to work on three other hospitals.
However, there was a contract dispute between his employer and the Central Bank of Iraq, which saw Mr Pether and his Egyptian colleague end up in prison.
Mr Pether has been in an Iraqi jail since, with his family fearing for his health.
They have been lobbying the Government for help since Mr Pether's arrest in 2021.
'Foreign Minister Hussein of Iraq, whom I spoke to last month to urge Robert's release, called me this evening with the news. I was informed that Robert has been released on bail and for the moment he remains in Iraq, but I welcomed this as a first step to his being allowed to return to his family in Roscommon,' said the Tánaiste.
Mrs Pether told the Irish Independent in 2022 how the only communication she had with her husband if he is able to ring her through the prison twice a week, ranging from three to 15 minutes in length.
'Robert is in such a different situation being in prison, we don't have contact with him and I've only seen one photo of him,' she said at the time.
'He's aged so much, he's completely white and he's not well.'
Minister Harris also spoke to Mrs Pether tonight and said he is 'concerned' about Mr Pether's health and remaining charges.
'I also spoke this evening with Robert's wife, Desree Pether, about this positive development,' he said.
'I want to thank Irish diplomatic officials based in the region for their continued work on this case.
'We remain concerned about Robert's health and outstanding charges, but I am hopeful now of a positive resolution in this case.'
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